Review: Mass Effect by Bioware

I haven't been writing much lately, given the holiday season and certain other obligations and lack of motivation, but am now more settled and look to get back into the driver's seat. With that, this is my review of Mass Effect, a title I picked up for $10.00 via an online digital download special. Enjoy!

Story: 3/5
The overall story is a familiar one, in that a singular hero (the PC) needs to assemble a team of specialists to save the galaxy from an overwhelming threat. This aspect isn't that revolutionary, nor should it be. Where the story takes a more interesting turn is the various side quests the player runs into while exploring the various plot quests (and that the player inevitably does while working on the "Completionist Achievement" ^^) The side quests work to make this new universe more believable, and is a natural progression for a player who has experienced Bioware's other RPG titles. In short, the core story is familiar, with a few plot twists that might catch the unwary offguard, but veterans of RPG stories will likely anticipate some of the major twists and turns.

Graphics: 4/5
Given that this game is a few years old at this writing (2010, vs 2007 released), the graphics were still quite impressive. Originally, this game was intended for release on the "next gen" consoles like XBOX 360 and the like, and it is evident in the graphics. While not "cutting edge" the lines are clean, the PC and NPC models are done almost to the point of being too perfect (specifically the NPC Ashley Williams, whose lack of even limited scars belies the fact that she's a career marine). What is also refreshing is the lack of overly harsh glitches, given that this release was a re-release of the title to PC, then via digital download. This reviewer did run into a game-stopping glitch only twice in about fifty hours of gameplay, which isn't too bad. Thankfully, saves are allowed regularly, so any major graphical glitches can be avoided by careful saving.

Music: 3/5
In all honesty, the music is akin to background ambiance during gameplay, and is actually relatively forgetful. The cut scenes incorporate more active scores, and are not unlike some movie-type musical composition. Having said that, the music is not overly intrusive, which is nice, and often lends intself to the significance of the specific area/plot point, etc. This reviewer enjoyed the music overall, while recognizing that nothing stood out as extraordinary.

Controls: 3/5
The actual controls for the game are relatively standard for shooter-style gameplay, namely the use of keyboard and mouse input (WASD movement, etc). Any player with some experience in MMORPG or shooter titles will pick up the controls well. Where the game significantly lacks good controls is in the vehicle segments of the game. The controls manage to single handedly feel overly sensitive and unresponsive at the same time, resulting in a remarkable lack of intelligent control schemes. This is specifically apparent when controlling the vehicle, while shooting and manning the turret is rather straight-forward. It's an interesting blend of fine-tuned controls and oversight.

Gameplay: 4/5
The sci-fi universe presented in Mass Effect is similar to other universes like Star Trek, in that a majority of alien species encountered are humanoid, and the technology, while advanced, is not beyond the realm of believability. When a title incorporates such elements, it makes for a realistic, enjoyable experience. The inventory system is similar to other rpg titles by Bioware, and is largely based on a system of max/min, specifically utilizing your specific characters' most proficient weapon, and also acquiring the most powerful weapons your character can afford. NPCs often have one weapon style they are best at, and it is in the players' best interest to play to their strengths. Cast abilities also play a role (via a system called "biotics"), however in this reviewer's experience they were largely second fiddle to shooting it up. At higher difficulties, it is plausible the use of greater strategy is needed unless the PC enjoys dying often. Leveling is similar to games like Jade Empire, where a system of points is allocated and the player chooses which abilities to improve. NPC level up can be manually controlled by the player, or computer controlled to maximize their predetermined roles. It makes for a nice, streamline experience, and also allowed customizable characters based on the playstyle of the PC.

Difficulty: 4/5
Mass Effect follows a system similar to other Shooter titles, namely allowing the player to decide how difficult they want a specific campaign to be. Playing on a standard difficulty, the player only dies when epic mistakes are made in coordinating your team. Though this reviewer died on numerous occasions, the difficulty itself wasn't such that it negatively affected the experience. Enemies sometimes have the uncanny ability to snipe the PC from seemingly long distance, but careful assessment of the specific situations is all that is required to avoid untimely deaths.

Overall: 4/5
The title was very enjoyable, and captured the interest of this reviewer for over fifty hours of gameplay. In addition, replay values are relatively high since a player can opt to restart the campaign by importing another character that has already completed the game. With this functionality, a player can earn "achievements" that get posted to various online forums if the player so chooses. This reviewer decided to earn the "completionist achievement" which entails completing 100% of the game's missions and side quests. There are few games which have captured enough interest for this reviewer to complete 100%, but Mass Effect did so. At $10.00, it was a great bargain and a worthwhile buy.　ゲームを百パーセントやった！